Semi-automated canister distribution system and method

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are disclosed including a semi-automated propane canister distribution system for distributing and exchanging propane canisters, comprising a system controller; one or more cabinet system having a cabinet controller and a cabinet with a first compartment separated from a second compartment, the first compartment having a first door and the second compartment having a second door, the first door and the second door having an open position and a closed position with a locked state and an unlocked state; a detection device; a remote display; and a remote controller device in communication with the system controller and/or the cabinet controller.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present patent application claims priority to, and herebyincorporates herein the entire contents of, the provisional patentapplication identified by Ser. No. 62/353,463, entitled “SEMI-AUTOMATEDCANISTER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD”, filed Jun. 22, 2016.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates generally to the vending of canistersthrough semi-automated systems and has particular relevance to the saleand/or exchange of propane canisters or tanks.

BACKGROUND

Some products are delivered and sold in containers for use by customers.For example, propane is often sold in containers that are cylindricalcanisters having valves, such as the type typically used for outdoorgrills. These canisters typically have a cylindrically shaped tank, abase-mounted to the bottom of the tank, a valve at the top of the tank,and a guard substantially encircling the valve and providing a pair oflifting handles. The base and the guard typically have diameters smallerthan the diameter of the outer surface of the tank. Because of thespecific nature in which such canisters must be filled, the equipmentneeded to fill the tanks, and the highly combustible nature of propane,it is generally required that a professional fill a user's propane tank.

Accordingly, for propane and similar products, empty canisters aretypically exchanged for full ones. Generally, when a canister is empty(i.e. substantially out of propane or other product), a user brings thesubstantially empty canister to a particular store and exchanges theempty canister for a full canister (i.e. full or substantially full ofpropane or other product). Or, the user may buy a substantially fullcanister without exchange of an empty canister. A cashier generallyassists the user in accessing the full canister and/or ensuring that theuser returns the empty canister and accesses a full canister.

The term “substantially” when used with the term “full” herein means thecanister is full within a range of capacity of the canister to hold itscontents within a safety margin for the canister and/or as set by thedistributer or dealer, which may vary. Additionally, some canistersthought to be “empty” by a purchaser may still contain propane. The term“substantially empty” as used herein may describe a canister discernedas empty or desirable for exchange by a purchaser.

Typically, the user pays for the full canister first, and then thecanister is distributed post-payment. This is different than the usualindoor retail environment, where goods are gathered first and then paidfor by the customer.

The full and empty propane canisters may be kept in various securelocations (e.g. locked cage, etc.). Additionally, the propane canistersare generally also stored outside the store for various safety reasons.Storage of propane canisters is typically regulated by local, state, orfederal government agencies, or under best-practice safety guidelines.For example, the use of electrical components that could cause a sparkcould be restricted near the stored propane. Such regulations may bepromulgated by agencies and associations such as the federalOccupational Safety and Health Administration, the Compressed GasAssociation, the National Fire Protection Association, the AmericanPetroleum Institute, the International Electrotechnical Commission, andthe Canadian Standards Association.

Exchanging and distributing the propane canisters can be burdensome forthe businesses that sell the canisters in that the cashiers may have toleave the registers to help customers exchange the canisters or obtainfull canisters. This can also result in customers waiting at theregister unassisted or the businesses making an employee constantlyavailable to exchange and distribute propane canister.

Additionally, if the cashier accepts payment and allows the customer toreturn and/or withdraw the canisters unsupervised, the customer mayreturn or take the wrong number of canisters, causing inventory lossesand/or discrepancies.

Fully automated systems are one answer to these problems. However, fullyautomated systems may be prohibitively expensive for some smallbusinesses.

SUMMARY

Semi-automated canister distribution systems and methods are disclosed.The problems involved in the sale and distribution of canisters storedoutside of places of business are addressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more implementationsdescribed herein and, together with the description, explain theseimplementations. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale, andcertain features and certain views of the figures may be shownexaggerated, to scale, or in schematic in the interest of clarity andconciseness. Not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Likereference numerals in the figures may represent and refer to the same orsimilar element or function. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of asemi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components of an exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of components of an exemplaryembodiment of a semi-automated canister distribution system inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the semi-automated canisterdistribution system of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a front view of components of an exemplary embodiment of asemi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front view of components of another exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of components of another exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front view of components of another exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a front view of components of another exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a front view of components of another exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a front view of components of another exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front view of components of another exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a front view of components of another exemplary embodiment ofa semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a cabinet system of an exemplary embodimentof a semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of components of another exemplaryembodiment of a semi-automated canister distribution system inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary embodimentof a semi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary embodimentof a door lock system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic of components of an exemplary embodiment of adoor lock system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 19A is a partial schematic of components of another exemplaryembodiment of a door lock system in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19B is a partial schematic of components of the door lock system ofFIG. 19A.

FIG. 20 is a partial schematic of components of another exemplaryembodiment of a door lock system in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a cabinetsystem in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of asemi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of asemi-automated canister distribution system in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings.The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the sameor similar elements.

The mechanisms proposed in this disclosure circumvent at least theproblems described above. The present disclosure describes methods andsystems including one embodiment of a semi-automated canisterdistribution method comprising receiving, by a remote controller devicelocated in a store, information indicative of a purchase transactionfrom a purchaser for a return of a first canister and pickup of a secondcanister, the second canister stored in a second compartment of acabinet system located outside of the store, the second compartmentseparated from a first compartment of the cabinet system, the firstcompartment having a first door and the second compartment having asecond door, the first and second door having an open position and aclosed position with a locked state and an unlocked state; receiving, bythe remote controller device, a signal indicative of the purchaser beinglocated at the cabinet system; transmitting a signal, with the remotecontroller device, to the cabinet system to change the first door fromthe locked state to the unlocked state; and transmitting, from thecabinet system, a real-time visual feed from at least one unit detectiondevice of the cabinet system to a remote display located in the store,the unit detection device positioned to have a field of viewencompassing at least a portion of an interior of the cabinet systemwhen the first door or the second door is in the open position;monitoring, by an operator of the remote display, the purchaserreturning the first canister to the first compartment; transmitting asecond signal, with the remote controller device, to the cabinet systemto change the second door from the locked state to the unlocked state;and monitoring, using the remote display, the purchaser retrieving thesecond canister from the second compartment.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concept. Thisdescription should be read to include one or more and the singular alsoincludes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Further, use of the term “plurality” is meant to convey “more than one”unless expressly stated to the contrary.

As used herein, qualifiers like “substantially,” “about,”“approximately,” and combinations and variations thereof, are intendedto include not only the exact amount or value that they qualify, butalso some slight deviations therefrom, which may be due to manufacturingtolerances, measurement error, wear and tear, stresses exerted onvarious parts, and combinations thereof, for example.

The use of the term “at least one” or “one or more” will be understoodto include one as well as any quantity more than one. In addition, theuse of the phrase “at least one of X, V, and Z” will be understood toinclude X alone, V alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X,V, and Z.

The use of ordinal number terminology (i.e., “first”, “second”, “third”,“fourth”, etc.) is solely for the purpose of differentiating between oneor more items and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, is not meant toimply any sequence or order or importance to one item over another orany order of addition.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment.

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-13, asemi-automated canister distribution system 10 is shown in accordancewith the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10 comprises a cabinet system 11, a remotedisplay 18, and a remote controller device 20 in communication with thecabinet system 11 and the remote display 18. In one embodiment, thecabinet system 11 may further comprise one or more cabinet controller 19in communication with one or more other components of the cabinet system11, the remote controller device 20, and/or the remote display 18. Inone embodiment, the cabinet system 11 may further comprise one or moresystem controller 200.

In one embodiment, the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 afurther comprises a system controller 200. The system controller 200 maycomprise one or more computing device that executes system logic andmanages and controls the cabinet systems 11 within the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10 and communicates with the remotecontroller device 20 and/or the remote display 18.

In one embodiment, the cabinet controller 19 may share components withthe system controller 200. In one embodiment, the cabinet controller 19and the system controller 200 are physically located together. In oneembodiment, the cabinet controller 19 and the system controller 200 arephysically separate.

In one embodiment, the system controller 200 may communicate with theone or more cabinet systems 11, the cabinet controller 19, the remotecontroller device 20, and/or the remote display 18 through a wireless orwired network.

The system controller 200 may comprise one or more memories 22 and onemore processors 21, which will be referred to hereinafter in thesingular for purposes of clarity. The memory 22 and the processor 21 canbe stand-alone, partially or completely network-based or cloud-based,and may be located in a single physical location or in multiple physicallocations. For example, a portion of the memory 22 may be a cloud-basedmemory.

The processor 21 is capable of executing processor executable codestored on the memory 22 and/or or creating, manipulating, altering, andstoring computer data structures into the memory 22. The processor 21can be implemented as a single processor 21 or multiple processors 21working together to execute the logic described herein. Exemplaryembodiments of the processor 21 include a digital signal processor(DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array(FPGA), a microprocessor, a multi-core processor, and/or combinationsthereof.

The memory 22 stores processor executable code for causing the processor21 to implement functions described herein. The memory 22 may beimplemented as any conventional non-transitory computer memory, such asrandom access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a hard drive, a solid state drive,a flash drive, a memory card, a DVD-ROM, a floppy disk, an opticalnon-transitory drive (such as a compact disc), a compact flash drive,holographic drives, and combinations thereof, for example.

In one embodiment, the cabinet system 11 comprises a cabinet 12 and atleast one camera 14 having a field of view of at least a portion of aninterior 16 of the cabinet 12 and/or at least a portion of an area inproximity to the cabinet 12. The camera 14 may be in communication withthe cabinet controller 19, the remote display 18, and/or the remotecontroller device 20. The remote display 18 may receive and display areal-time visual feed from at least one camera 14 through the cabinetcontroller 19 and/or directly. In one embodiment, the cabinet system 11may comprise one or more unit detection devices 162, non-exclusiveexamples of which include one or more or combinations of the following:one or more scales, one or more weight sensors, one or more proximitysensors, one or more computer vision devices (including camera(s) 14),one or more LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) devices, and/or one ormore light barrier devices.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, in one embodiment, the cabinet 12 has a front 30,a first side 32, a back 34, a second side 36, a top 38, and a bottom 40.In one embodiment, one or more of the first side 32, the back 34, andthe second side 36 comprise expanded metal. In one embodiment, the front30 and/or the top 38 comprise sheet metal. In one embodiment, the bottom40 comprises metal support bars. It will be understood that the firstside 32, the back 34, the second side 36, the front 30, the top 38,and/or the bottom 40 may comprise additional or other materials orcombinations of materials.

In one embodiment, the cabinet 12 has a first compartment 42 separatedfrom a second compartment 44.

In one embodiment, the first compartment 42 and the second compartment44 of the cabinet 12 are sized to accommodate one or more of thecanisters 94, such as propane canisters. In one embodiment, the firstcompartment 42 and the second compartment 44 of the cabinet 12 are eachsized to accommodate at least two propane canisters 94. In oneembodiment, the first compartment 42 and the second compartment 44 ofthe cabinet 12 are each sized to accommodate one or more twenty-poundpropane canister 94. In some embodiments, the first compartment 42 andthe second compartment 44 of the cabinet 12 are sized to accommodate oneor more 4.25-pound propane canister, eleven-pound propane canister,twenty-pound propane canister, thirty-pound propane canister,forty-pound propane canister, one hundred-pound canister, and/orcombinations thereof.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-8, the first compartment 42and the second compartment 44 of the cabinet 12 each have at least oneshelf 96 defining at least two rows 98 for holding the canisters 94. Inone embodiment, the first compartment 42 and the second compartment 44of the cabinet 12 each have at least two shelves 96 defining at leastthree rows 98 for holding the canisters 94. In one embodiment, the firstcompartment 42 and the second compartment 44 of the cabinet 12 may haveno internal shelves 96.

In one embodiment, the cabinet 12 may have multiple removable and/ormovable shelves making up the rows 98 to accommodate one or more size ofthe canister 94. The shelves may be arranged according to the size ofthe canister 94.

In one embodiment, the first compartment 42 may be configured to containone or more propane canisters 94 substantially filled with propane andthe second compartment 44 may contain one or more propane canisters 94substantially empty of propane. Of course, it will be understood thatthe first compartment 42 may be configured to contain one or morepropane canisters 94 substantially empty of propane and the secondcompartment 44 may contain one or more propane canisters 94substantially full of propane.

In one embodiment, the cabinet systems 11 of the semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 may have a unique identifier distinguishing thecabinet systems 11 from one another. For example, the cabinet systems 11may be identified with an alpha or alpha numeric code, such as “P1”,“P2”, “P3”, etc.

In one embodiment, the first compartment 42 and the second compartment44 may have unique identifiers to individually and/or uniquely identifythe first compartment 42 from the second compartment 44 for the cabinet12. In one embodiment, the first compartment 42 may be identified withan alpha or alpha-numeric designation, such as “A” or “A1”, and thesecond compartment 44 may be labeled with an alpha or alpha-numericdesignation, such as “B” or “B1” or “A2”.

In one embodiment, the first door 46 and the second door 48 may belabeled with the unique identifiers to identify the first compartment 42and the second compartment 44. In one embodiment, the first compartment42 may be labeled with signage indicating that the first compartment 42is to be used to return canisters 94 and the second compartment 44 maybe labeled with signage indicating that the second compartment 44 is tobe used to dispense (and pick-up from) full canisters 94. Of course, itwill be understood that the second compartment 44 may be labeled toreturn canisters 94 and the first compartment 42 may be used to dispensefull canisters 94.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 14, and 15, in one embodiment, the cabinet 12has a top portion 100 and the semi-automated canister distributionsystem 10 further comprises an overhang 102 extending from the topportion 100 of the cabinet 12. In one embodiment, the overhang 102 maybe part of the top 38 of the cabinet 12. In one embodiment, the overhang102 may be a separate component from the top 38 of the cabinet 12. Inone embodiment, the overhang 102 extends beyond the top 38 of thecabinet 12 and over at least a portion of the front 30 of the cabinet12. In one embodiment, the overhang 102 may be angled such that a firstportion of the overhang 102 extending over at least a portion of thefront 30 of the cabinet 12 is higher than a second portion of theoverhang 102.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6-15, in one embodiment, the firstcompartment 42 of the cabinet 12 may have a first door 46 and the secondcompartment 44 may have a second door 48. The first door 46 and thesecond door 48 each have an open position and a closed position. Thefirst door 46 and the second door 48 each have a locked state and anunlocked state. In one embodiment, the first door 46 and/or the seconddoor 48 are positioned on the front 30 of the cabinet 12. In oneembodiment, the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 are positionedon the first side 32 and/or the second side 36 of the cabinet 12. Thefirst door 46 and/or the second door 48 may have one or more handle 50.

In one embodiment, the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 may beself-closing. In one non-exclusive example, the first door 46 and/or thesecond door 48 may have one or more spring (not shown) attached suchthat the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 is moved to the closedposition by the spring. In another non-exclusive example, the first door46 and/or the second door 48 may have one or more self-closing hinge 52attached such that the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 is movedto the closed position by the self-closing hinge 52. In anothernon-exclusive example, the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 maybe weighted such that the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 arebiased to the closed position. In yet another non-exclusive example, thefirst door 46 and/or the second door 48 may be attached to hydraulic orpneumatic door closers that pull the door closed after use and resistunexpected forces, such as wind gusts.

In one embodiment, the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 may slideto open, such as on runners, rollers, or channels. In one embodiment,the first door 46 may slide over the second door 48 when the first door46 is in the open position and the second door 48 may slide under thefirst door 46 when the second door 48 is in the open position.Alternatively, the second door 48 may slide over the first door 46 andthe first door 46 may slide under the second door 48.

In one non-exclusive example, the first door 46 and/or the second door48 may be sliding doors that may be positioned on the compartment 42, 44so as to be biased in a closed position, such that when the first door46 and/or the second door 48 is in the open position the first door 46and/or the second door 48 is at a higher position than when the door isin the closed position, such that gravity assists in closing the firstdoor 46 and/or the second door 48. In one embodiment, the first door 46and/or the second door 48 may be slidable on a rail that has a first endthat is elevated from a second end such that an incline is created thatallows the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 to move down theincline of the rail to the closed position.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the first door 46 and/or thesecond door 48 may swing out to the open position, such as by the use ofone or more hinge 52.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8-13 and 16-20, the cabinet system11 of the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 furthercomprises a door lock system 60. Some or all of the components of thedoor lock system 60 may be electrical components. In one embodiment, thedoor lock system 60 may comply with standards for electrical componentslocated near explosive environments and/or explosive substances, such aspropane. Non-exclusive examples of such standards include standards andcodes developed by the National Fire Protection Association standard(for example, NFPA 57, 2002 edition, and/or NFPA 70), the AmericanPetroleum Institute, the International Electrotechnical Commission, andthe Canadian Standards Association.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13, in one embodiment, some or all of theelectrical components of the door lock system 60 may be attached to, butoutside of, the cabinet 12.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in one embodiment, some or all of theelectrical components of the door lock system 60 may be detached from,and outside of, the cabinet 12. In one embodiment, the electricalcomponents may be connected to a post 61 detached from the cabinet 12.In one embodiment, the door lock system 60 comprises a lockbox 62engageable with a latch 63 on the door 46, 48, of the compartment 42,44. In one embodiment, the lockbox 62 is attached to the cabinet 12. Inone embodiment, the lockbox 62 is detached from the cabinet 12. Thelockbox 62 may comprise a receiver, a lock, a door sensor, and/or amechanical lock-over-ride mechanism. The lockbox 62 may have a guidemechanism to allow the lockbox 62 to be moved to engage with the latch63. In one embodiment, the lockbox 62 may be adjustable (for example,rotatable and/or laterally moveable) such that the receiver issubstantially aligned and perpendicular to the latch 63.

In one embodiment, the door lock system 60 may be pneumatically operatedand may comprise one or more air compressor, one or more air valve, andone or more air hose.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, in one embodiment the door lock system 60 maycomprise a first door sensor 64, a first door lock 66, a second doorsensor 68, and a second door lock 70. The door lock system 60 may belocated partially, substantially, or completely outside of the cabinet12. In one embodiment, the door lock system 60 is substantially orentirely located outside of the cabinet 12 such that one or morecomponents of the door lock system 60 are not required to be rated foruse in an explosive environment and/or not required to be rated for usein compartments containing propane canisters.

In one embodiment, the cabinet controller 19 may be in communicationwith and/or in control of the door lock system 60. The cabinetcontroller 19 may serve as a connector, enabling devices and componentsof the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 to communicate,share information, and allocate resources. The cabinet controller 19 maybe connected to the remote display 18 and/or the remote controllerdevice 20 through a wireless access point 71 and/or a network 72. Suchconnection 74 may be wired, wireless, or a combination of wired andwireless.

In one embodiment, the cabinet controller 19 may be connected to theother components of the cabinet system 11, such as the door lock system60, via one or more electrical connections 74, which may be wired,wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless.

In one embodiment, the first door sensor 64 may determine when the firstdoor 46 is in the closed position, and the second door sensor 68 maydetermine when the second door 48 is in the closed position. In oneembodiment, the first door sensor 64 may determine when the first door46 is in the open position, and the second door sensor 68 may determinewhen the second door 48 is in the open position.

In one embodiment, the first door sensor 64 and/or the second doorsensor 68 is a proximity sensor which determines when the first door 46and/or the second door 48 are in proximity to the first door sensor 64and/or the second door sensor 68.

In one embodiment, the first door sensor 64 and/or the second doorsensor 68 is a magnetic door sensor. The magnetic door sensor maycomprise a first component, such as a reed switch, and a secondcomponent having a magnetic portion. In one embodiment, the firstcomponent may be positioned on the cabinet 12 and the second componentmay be positioned on the first door 46 or the second door 48 such thatwhen the first door 46, for example, is in the closed position, themagnetic portion of the second component is in contact with the firstcomponent such that a circuit in the first component is closed. When thefirst door 46, for example, is moved to the open position, the magneticportion of the second component is moved out of contact with the firstcomponent, such that the circuit is open (interrupted). The open circuitmay be indicative of the first door 46, for example, being in the openposition. The closed circuit may be indicative of the first door 46, forexample, being in the closed position. It will be understood, however,that the open circuit may be indicative of the first door 46, forexample, being in the closed position and the closed circuit may beindicative of the first door 46 being in the open position.

In one embodiment, the first door sensor 64 may transmit one or moresignal to the cabinet controller 19 when the first door sensor 64detects the first door 46 is in the closed position. In one embodiment,the first door sensor 64 may transmit one or more signal to the cabinetcontroller 19 when the first door sensor 64 detects the first door 46 isin the open position. In one embodiment, the second door sensor 68 maytransmit one or more signal to the cabinet controller 19 when the seconddoor sensor 68 detects the second door 48 is in the closed position. Inone embodiment, the second door sensor 68 may transmit one or moresignal to the cabinet controller 19 when the second door sensor 68detects the second door 48 is in the open position.

The first door lock 66 is a locking device that locks and unlocks thefirst door 46. The first door lock 66 may receive a signal from thecabinet controller 19 to engage or disengage the first door lock 66 tolock or unlock the first door 46.

The second door lock 70 is a locking device that locks and unlocks thesecond door 48. The second door lock 70 may receive a signal from thecabinet controller 19 to engage or disengage the second door lock 70 tolock or unlock the second door 48.

In one embodiment, the first door lock 66 and/or the second door lock 70is an electromagnetic lock activated with an electrical current.

In one embodiment, the first door lock 66 and/or the second door lock 70is a solenoid lock. One non-exclusive example of a solenoid lock is thesolenoid lock manufactured by Dongguan Boshan Industry Co., located inHengi Town, Dongguan, Guangdong, China (523460). Of course, it will beunderstood that other solenoid locks, and/or other types of locks may beused.

In one embodiment, the door locking system 60 may have a manual overridedevice 76 for the first door lock 66 and/or the second door lock 70.FIGS. 17-19 illustrate non-exclusive examples of the manual overridedevice 76. The manual override device 76 may be used to manually lock orunlock the first door 46 and/or the second door 48, and may be used tomechanically and/or electrically interrupt the first door lock 66 and/orthe second door lock 68. For example, in the case of loss of power tothe semi-automated canister distribution system 10, the manual overridedevice 76 may be used to manually interrupt the solenoid orelectromagnetic locks and unlock the first door 46 and the second door48. In one embodiment, the manual override device 76 may comprise one ormore mechanical interruption device 77, one or more mechanical lock 78,and one or more key 79. In one embodiment, the rotation of the key 79may trigger the mechanical interruption device 77.

In one embodiment, the first and second door locks 66, 68 may includecomprise a mechanical lock 78 a, such as a padlock. In one embodiment,the cabinet 12 may have one or more ear 81 on the first side and/or thesecond side of the cabinet 12, or on the front of the cabinet 12, andmay further have the latch 63 on the first door and/or the second door.The one or more ears 81 on the first and/or second side of the cabinetmay align with the latch 63 of the first door and/or the second doorwhen the first door and/or the second door is in the closed position.The mechanical lock 78 a may be engaged through the latch 63 and the ear81 to mechanically secure the first door and/or the second door in theclosed position.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary manual overridedevice 76 a for the first door lock 66 and/or the second door lock 70.The manual override device 76 a may comprise one or more mechanical lock78 a, such as a padlock, one or more key 79 a, and one or moremechanical interruption device 77 a. The mechanical interruption device77 a may include a lever with a first end portion outside of the cabinet12 and a second end portion extending through the cabinet 12 and/or thefirst door 46, for example, and positioned to manually interrupt thesolenoid or electromagnetic locks and thereby unlock the first door 46,for example. The mechanical lock 78 a may be positioned through thefirst end portion of the lever to prevent the lever from interruptingthe solenoid lock while the mechanical lock 78 a is engaged. Theoperator 92 may remove the mechanical lock 78 a from the first positionof the lever and rotate (or otherwise move) the lever to depress atongue of the solenoid lock to disengage the tongue from the door latch63, thereby unlocking the first door 46.

In one embodiment, the door locking system 60 may have an indicator tosignal a purchaser 82 that the first door 46 and/or the second door 48is locked and/or unlocked. In one embodiment, the indicator may be alighted sign, such as a sign reading “OPEN,” to signal the purchaser 82to open the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 once the first door46 and/or the second door 48 is unlocked. In one embodiment, theindicator may be an audio device, such as a buzzer, to signal thepurchaser 82 to open the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 oncethe first door 46 and/or the second door 48 is unlocked.

In one embodiment, the at least one camera 14 may be positioned outsideof and relative to the cabinet 12 such that the field of view of the atleast one camera 14 encompasses at least a portion of the interior ofthe cabinet 12 and/or an area in proximity to the cabinet 12, such thatthe at least one camera 14 may capture one or more image of thepurchaser 82 of a canister 94 from the semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 and/or one or more canister 94 in or in proximityto the cabinet 12. In one embodiment, the at least one camera 14comprises a first camera 14 positioned outside of and relative to thecabinet 12 such that the field of view of the at least one camera 14encompasses at least a portion of the interior of the cabinet 12 and/oran area in proximity to the cabinet 12 and comprises at least oneuser-verification camera 90.

The user-verification camera 90 may be positioned outside of andrelative to the cabinet 12 such that the field of view of theuser-verification camera 90 encompasses an area in proximity to thecabinet 12. The user-verification camera 90 may be positioned with afield of view such that the user-verification camera 90 may capture oneor more image of the purchaser 82 of a canister 94 from thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10. The user-verificationcamera 90 may be positioned with a field of view such that theuser-verification camera 90 may capture one or more image of one or morecanister 94 brought by the purchaser 82 for return to the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10. In one embodiment, an area may beoutlined on the ground in the field of view of the user-verificationcamera 90 in which the purchaser 82 may stand and/or may placecanister(s) 94 for return or canister(s) removed from the cabinet 12 forpurchase.

In one embodiment, the at least one camera 14 comprises at least twouser-verification cameras 90, such as a first user-verification camera90 having a field of view proximate to the first side 32 of the cabinet12, and a second user-verification camera 90 having a field of viewproximate to the second side 36 of the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, the cabinet system 11 comprises one or more motiondetection sensors (not shown) and the at least one camera 14 and/or theat least one user-verification camera 90 is activated by utilizing oneor more motion detection sensors to detect the presence of the purchaser82 at the cabinet 12. In one embodiment, the at least one camera 14and/or the at least one user-verification camera 90 is activated by thepurchaser 82 activating the signaling device 80. In one embodiment, anoperator 92 of the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 mayactivate the at least one camera 14 and/or the at least oneuser-verification camera 90. In one embodiment, the at least one camera14 and/or the at least one user-verification camera 90 may becontinuously active.

In one embodiment, the at least one camera 14 and/or the at least oneuser-verification camera 90 may comply with standards for electricalcomponents located near explosive environments and/or explosivesubstances, such as propane. Non-exclusive examples of such standardsinclude standards and codes developed by the National Fire ProtectionAssociation standard (for example, NFPA 57, 2002 edition, and/or NFPA70), the American Petroleum Institute, the InternationalElectrotechnical Commission, and the Canadian Standards Association. Asshown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13 in one embodiment, some or all of theelectrical components of the at least one camera 14 and/or the at leastone user-verification camera 90 may be attached to, but outside of, thecabinet 12. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13 in one embodiment, some or allof the electrical components of the at least one camera 14 and/or the atleast one user-verification camera 90 may be detached from and outsideof the cabinet 12.

The at least one camera 14 and/or the at least one user-verificationcamera 90 may transmit a signal through the cabinet controller 19, ordirectly, to the remote display 18 and/or the remote controller device20 indicative of the purchaser's presence at the cabinet 12. In oneembodiment, the at least one camera 14 and/or the at least oneuser-verification camera 90 may transmit live video feed through thecabinet controller 19, or directly, to the remote display 18 of an areaaround the cabinet 12, such as including live video feed of thepurchaser 82 at the cabinet 12.

The at least one camera 14 may be positioned outside of and relative tothe cabinet 12 such that the at least one camera 14 has a field of viewencompassing at least a portion of the interior of the cabinet 12 whenthe first door 46 or the second door 48 is in the open position, and/orencompassing an area in proximity to the cabinet 12, such that the atleast one camera 14 may capture one or more image of the purchaser 82 ofthe canister 94 from the semi-automated canister distribution system 10and/or may capture one or more image of canisters 45 outside and/orinside the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, the at least one camera 14 is connected to theoverhang 102 of the cabinet 12. In one embodiment, the at least onecamera 14 is connected to the overhang 102 via one or more supports 104.In one embodiment, the at least one camera 14 is connected to thecabinet 12. Of course, it will be understood that the at least onecamera 14 may be unconnected to the cabinet 12 or overhang 102 as longas the at least one camera 14 is positioned outside of and relative tothe cabinet 12 such that the at least one camera 14 has a field of viewencompassing at least a portion of the interior of the cabinet 12 whenthe first door 46 or the second door 48 is in the open position, and/orencompassing an area in proximity to the cabinet 12, such that the atleast one camera 14 may capture one or more image of the purchaser 82 ofthe canister 94 from the semi-automated canister distribution system 10and/or may capture one or more image of canisters 94 outside and/orinside the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, the at least one camera 14 is a first camera 14 and asecond camera 14. The first camera 14 may be positioned relative to thecabinet 12 such that the first camera 14 has a field of viewencompassing at least a portion of an interior of the first compartment42 of the cabinet 12 when the first door 46 is in the open positionand/or encompassing an area in proximity to the first compartment 42 ofthe cabinet 12, such that the first camera 14 may capture one or moreimage of the purchaser 82 of the canister 94 from the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10.

In one embodiment, the second camera 14 may be positioned relative tothe cabinet 12 such that the second camera 14 has a field of viewencompassing at least a portion of an interior of the second compartment44 of the cabinet 12 when the second door 48 is in the open positionand/or encompassing an area in proximity to the second compartment 44 ofthe cabinet 12, such that the first camera 14 may capture one or moreimage of the purchaser 82 of the canister 94 from the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10 and/or one or more image of the canister94 outside and/or inside the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, the cabinet system 11 of the semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 may further comprise at least one light source110 positioned outside of and relative to the cabinet 12 such that theat least one light source 110 produces light into the interior of thecabinet 12 when the first door 46 or the second door 48 is in the openposition. In one embodiment, the at least one light source 110 isconnected to the overhang 102 and/or the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, the at least one light source 110 may comply withstandards for electrical components located near explosive environmentsand/or explosive substances, such as propane. Non-exclusive examples ofsuch standards include standards and codes developed by the NationalFire Protection Association standard (for example, NFPA 57, 2002edition, and/or NFPA 70), the American Petroleum Institute, theInternational Electrotechnical Commission, and the Canadian StandardsAssociation. As shown in FIGS. 2-3, in one embodiment, the light source110 may be attached to, but outside of, the cabinet 12. As shown in FIG.14, in one embodiment, the light source 110 may be detached from andoutside of the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the cabinet system 11 of thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 may further comprise apower system 116 connected to components of the cabinet 12. The powersystem 116 may comprise a power supply 118, a power cord 120, a battery122, and an alternating-current sensor 124. The power cord 120 may beplugged into a standard source of electrical power, such as a standardelectrical grid. The power supply 118 may convert alternating current todirect current to supply the cabinet system 11 with electrical power. Inthe event that there is a loss of electrical power, the power supply 118may be supplied with electrical power by the battery 122.

The alternating-current sensor 124 may be positioned to detectelectrical current through the power cord 120 to the power supply 118.The cabinet controller 19 reads the alternating-current sensor 124 todetect the status of electrical power. The cabinet controller 19 maytransmit one or more signal indicative of the loss of power to thesystem controller 200, the remote controller device 20, and/or theremote management entity 180.

In one embodiment, the components of the door lock system 60, the atleast one camera 14, the user-verification camera 90, and any otherelectrical components may be placed outside of, and/or at a prescribeddistance away from, the cabinet 12 in compliance with safety standards,such as governmental and industry safety standards for explosiveenvironments, such as propane storage areas. In one embodiment, theelectrical components may be outside of but attached to the cabinet 12.In one embodiment, the electrical components may be outside of andelectrically detached from the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, the first door sensor 64 and the second door sensor68 may be placed inside the cabinet 12. In such a case, the first andsecond door sensors 64, 68, as well as other electrical componentsplaced inside the cabinet 12, may comply with standards for electricalcomponents located in explosive environments. Non-exclusive examples ofsuch standards include standards and codes developed by the NationalFire Protection Association standard (for example, NFPA 57, 2002edition, and/or NFPA 70), the American Petroleum Institute, theInternational Electrotechnical Commission, and the Canadian StandardsAssociation.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the cabinet system 11 ofthe semi-automated canister distribution system 10 may further comprisea human-machine interface 150 positioned on or near the cabinet 12. Thehuman-machine interface 150 may be in communication with the remotecontroller device 20 and/or the cabinet controller 19.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 may transmit one ormore signal to the cabinet controller 19 indicative of a data elementthat may be accepted by the cabinet controller 19 through thehuman-machine interface 150 when presented by the purchaser 82 in orderfor the cabinet controller 19 to trigger the door lock system 60 todisengage the first and/or second door lock 66, 70. The data element maybe any designated data that is predetermined such that the cabinetsystem 11 recognizes the purchase transaction. Non-exclusive examples ofthe data element include one or more of a code, an audio signal, facialrecognition, bio-metrics, and so on. Where appropriate, the data elementmay be given to the purchaser.

In one embodiment, the human-machine interface 150 may be incommunication with the cabinet controller 19 which may be incommunication with the door lock system 60.

The human-machine interface 150 may comprise one or more of, orcombination of one or more of, a keypad, a card reader, a voicerecognition unit, a microphone, a bar code scanner, and/or other dataentry device. The human-machine interface 150 may accept input of a dataelement, such as a numbered or letter code through a keypad; or anelectronic code from a personal computing device, such as a smart phoneor other personal computing device; or through a bar code reader.Acceptance of the data element by the human-machine interface 150 maycause the human-machine interface 150 to signal the cabinet controller19 to trigger the door lock system 60 to disengage the first and/orsecond door lock 66, 70.

In one embodiment, the human-machine interface 150 of the cabinet system11 may have at least one signaling device 80 (non-exclusive examples ofwhich include at least one bell, buzzer, or button) that the purchaser82 may use to indicate the presence of the purchaser 82 near the cabinet12. The signaling device 80 may transmit one or more signal to thecabinet controller 19 when the signaling device 80 is activated by thepurchaser 82. Based on the signal from the signaling device 80, thecabinet controller 19 may transmit a signal to the remote display 18and/or the remote controller device 20 indicative of the purchaser'spresence near the cabinet 12. In one embodiment, based on a signal fromthe signaling device 80, the at least one camera 14 may transmit one ormore image and/or live stream video through the cabinet controller 19,or directly, to the remote display 18 and/or the remote controllerdevice 20.

In one embodiment, the signaling device 80 may be shaped as, or may belabeled with, an instruction for the purchaser 82, such as aninstruction to depress or push the signaling device 80. In oneembodiment, instructions for the use of the semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 may be posted on or near the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, the at least one signaling device 80 is a firstsignaling device 80 and a second signaling device 80, such as a firstbutton and a second button. In one embodiment, the first signalingdevice 80 may be located proximate to the first compartment 42. Forexample, the first signaling device 80 may be located on the first side32. In one embodiment, the second signaling device 80 may be locatedproximate to the second compartment 44. For example, the secondsignaling device 80 may be located on the second side 36.

In one embodiment, the at least one signaling device 80 may compriseother forms of circuits instead of, or in addition to, the signalingdevice 80. Non-exclusive examples of the at least one signaling deviceinclude buttons, touch screens, photo-sensitive elements which detectchanges in light, proximity sensors, motion detectors, and electricallyconductive painted components.

In one embodiment, the human-machine interface 150 may comprise aspeaker, a microphone, a light source, and/or other communicationdevice.

In one embodiment, entry of the data element into the human-machineinterface 150 may cause the human-machine interface 150 to send a signalto the cabinet controller 19 which may send a signal to the remotecontroller device 20 and/or the remote display alerting the operator 92of the remote controller device 20 that a data element has been entered.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cabinet system 11 ofthe semi-automated canister distribution system 10 may further comprisean auto-count system 160. The auto-count system 160 is structured totrack the number of canisters 94 being deposited in the firstcompartment 42 of the cabinet 12 and/or the number of canisters 94 beingwithdrawn from the second compartment 44 of the cabinet 12. Theauto-count system 160 may comprise one or more unit detection devices162, non-exclusive examples of which include one or more or combinationsof the following: one or more scales, one or more weight sensors, one ormore proximity sensors, one or more computer vision devices (includingcamera(s) 14), one or more LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) devices,and/or one or more light barrier devices.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the unit detection device 162 isimplemented as one or more weight sensors positioned in the bottom 40 ofthe cabinet 12, the shelves 96 of the cabinet, and/or the within thefirst compartment 42 and/or the second compartment 44 of the cabinet 12.In one embodiment, the one or more weight sensors may be one or moreload cells and/or one or more weigh bars.

In one embodiment, the auto-count system 160 may comprise one or morecomputer processor 164. The auto-count system 160 may share components,computer processing functionality, memory, and/or functions with thecabinet controller 19 and/or the system controller 200.

The auto-count system 160 may use the one or more unit detection device162 to determine how many canisters 94 are returned to or removed fromthe first compartment 42 of the cabinet 12. For example, the one or moreunit detection device 162 may determine that weight has been added tothe first compartment 42 and the auto-count system 160 may divide thatweight by a known weight of returned canisters 94 to determine thenumber of canisters 94 returned. The auto-count system 160 may use arange of weight or round the weight to determine the number of canisters94 returned. In one embodiment, the auto-count system 160 and/or thecabinet controller 19 may determine the expected weight of the returnedcanister 94 based on information from the unit detection device 162,such as that described below.

In one embodiment, the one or more unit detection device 162 ispositioned to detect one or more canister 94 present outside of thecabinet 12 when the user approaches the cabinet 12. For example, whenthe user approaches the cabinet 12, the unit detection device 162 mayscan or image the immediate field of view in front of the cabinet 12. Inone embodiment, if the unit detection device 162 does not detect theexpected number of canisters 94 to be present, the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10 may not proceed with the transactionand/or may direct the user to move the canister(s) 94 into the field ofview of the unit detection device 162, and/or notify the operator 92about a need of assistance. In one embodiment, the area that comprisesthe field of view of the unit detection device 162 may be outlined onthe ground outside of the cabinet 12 by means of painting lines orplacement of targets, marks, etc. In one embodiment, the unit detectiondevice 162 is implemented as one or more LiDAR devices, one or morecameras 14, one or more proximity sensors, and/or one or more lightbarrier sensors.

The auto-count system 160 may use the one or more unit detection device162 to determine how many canisters 94 are removed from, or returned to,the second compartment 44 of the cabinet. For example, the one or moreunit detection device 162 may determine that weight has been removedfrom the second compartment 44 and the auto-count system 160 may dividethat weight by a known or predetermined weight of substantially fullcanisters 94 to determine the number of canisters 94 removed. In anotherexample, the one or more unit detection device 162 may determine thatweight has been added to the first compartment 42 and the auto-countsystem 160 may divide that weight by a known or predetermined weight ofsubstantially empty canisters 94 to determine the number of canisters 94returned.

In one embodiment, weight determination of returned or removed canisters94 is based on a range of weights between the weight of a canister 94that is completely empty of content and a canister 94 fully filled withcontent, such as propane.

The auto-count system 160 may communicate with the cabinet controller 19which may transmit one or more signal to the system controller 200, theremote controller device 20, and/or the remote display 18 to alert theoperator 92 if a number of canisters 94 that is different than theexpected number of canisters 94 is returned and/or removed.

In one embodiment, the cabinet controller 19 may determine the expectednumber of canisters 94 that are to be returned and/or removed based on adata element entered into the human-machine interface 150. In oneembodiment, the expected number of canisters 94 that are to be returnedand/or removed is communicated to the auto-count system 160 from thecabinet controller 19, the remote controller device 20, and/or theremote display 18.

In one embodiment, the system controller 200 may record countinformation regarding the number of canisters 94 returned and/or removedfrom the cabinet 12 in connection with vending information, such as thetime and day of the transaction. The system controller 200 may store thecount information and the purchase information.

In one embodiment, the system controller 200 receives inventory datafrom the cabinet controller 19 of the cabinet system 11 indicative ofthe number of canisters 94 in the cabinet system 11. The inventory datamay contain information as to the location of the canisters 94 (forexample, in which of the first compartment 42 or second compartment 44).The inventory data may contain information as to the number of returned(substantially empty) canisters 94 and/or the number of substantiallyfull canisters 94 in the cabinet system 11. The system controller 200may compile and track such inventory data.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the human-machineinterface 150 of the cabinet system 11 of the semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 may further comprise an audio system 170. Theaudio system 170 may be positioned on or near the cabinet 12. The audiosystem 170 may be connected to the remote controller device 20 and/orthe remote display 18 and/or the cabinet controller 19. The audio system170 may comprise one or more speakers 172 and one or more audio filecontroller 174. In one embodiment, the audio file controller 174 mayshare components, space, or functions with the cabinet controller 19.

The audio system 170 may broadcast audio, non-exclusive examples ofwhich include instructions, thanks, alerts, counts, number of canisters94 to be returned/withdrawn, number of canisters 94 actuallyreturned/withdrawn, and/or advertising (for example, advertising relatedproducts).

In one embodiment, audio files may be recorded by the remote controllerdevice 20 and be transmitted to the audio system 170 for broadcastthrough the speakers 172. In one embodiment, the remote controllerdevice 20 records audio when an icon on the remote display 18 isactivated. In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 may acceptan input of text and generate audio files from the text. A plurality ofaudio files may be recorded and/or generated. In one embodiment, theaudio file may be provided from an outside source (for example, theremote management entity 180 described below), rather than the remotecontroller device 20. The audio file controller 174 may control thetimes and order of playing of the audio files through the speakers 172.The plurality of audio files may be played in an order or randomly.

In one embodiment, the audio system 170 further comprises one or moreproximity sensor 176 positioned on or near the cabinet 12. The audiosystem 170 may receive a signal from the proximity sensor 176 indicativeof the presence of a user in proximity to the cabinet 12. The audiosystem 170 may use receipt of the signal as a trigger to begin playingaudio files through the speakers 172 by the audio file controller 174.

In one embodiment, the audio system 170 may use receipt of a signal fromthe human-machine interface 150 and/or the signaling device 80 as atrigger to begin playing audio files through the speakers 172 by theaudio file controller 174.

The remote display 18 may have a screen for displaying information tothe operator 92. For example, but not by way of limitation, the remotedisplay 18 can be implemented as a computer monitor, a cell phonedisplay, a tablet display, a website, a projector, a laptop monitor, andcombinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the remote display 18 is a touch screen display. Inthis embodiment, the touch screen display forms an input device and thedisplay. The touch screen display may be equipped with a graphical userinterface (GUI) capable of communicating information to the user andreceiving instructions from the user.

In one embodiment, the remote display 18 is in communication with the atleast one camera 14 directly and/or through the cabinet controller 19for receiving and displaying a real-time visual feed from the at leastone camera 14. The remote display 18 may receive information from the atleast one camera 14 and/or the remote controller device 20 and/or thecabinet controller 19, and transmit the information to an observer, suchas operator 92, such that the information can be perceived by theobserver.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 may be integratedwith the remote display 18. For example, the remote controller device 20and the display may be components of a desktop computer, a tabletcomputer, a smart phone, a laptop computer, and/or a mobile computingdevice.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 comprises a processor21, a memory 22, and an input device 23 to receive input from a user(including, but not limited to, operator 92). In one embodiment, theinput device 23 may be a function of and/or a component of the remotedisplay 18.

The remote controller device 20 may comprise one or more memories 22 andone more processors 21, which will be referred to hereinafter in thesingular for purposes of clarity. The memory 22 and the processor 21 canbe stand-alone, partially or completely network-based or cloud-based,and may be located in a single physical location or in multiple physicallocations. For example, a portion of the memory 22 may be a cloud-basedmemory.

The processor 21 is capable of executing processor executable codestored on the memory 22 and/or or creating, manipulating, altering, andstoring computer data structures into the memory 22. The processor 21can be implemented as a single processor 21 or multiple processors 21working together to execute the logic described herein. Exemplaryembodiments of the processor 21 include a digital signal processor(DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array(FPGA), a microprocessor, a multi-core processor, and/or combinationsthereof.

The memory 22 stores processor executable code for causing the processor21 to implement functions described herein. The memory 22 may beimplemented as any conventional non-transitory computer memory, such asrandom access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a hard drive, a solid state drive,a flash drive, a memory card, a DVD-ROM, a floppy disk, an opticalnon-transitory drive (such as a compact disc), a compact flash drive,holographic drives, and combinations thereof, for example.

The remote controller device 20 may be in communication with the cabinetcontroller 19 which is in communication with the door lock system 60 ofthe cabinet 12 and may signal the door lock system 60 in order to changethe first door 46 and/or the second door 48 between the locked state andthe unlocked state, such that the lock is activated or deactivated. Moreparticularly, the remote controller device 20 may be in communicationwith the cabinet controller 19 which is in communication with the doorlock system 60, such as to signal the first door lock 66 to lock orunlock to change the first door 46 between the locked state and theunlocked state, and/or to signal the second door lock 70 to lock orunlock to change the second door 48 between the locked and unlockedstate.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 may transmit one ormore signal to the system controller 200 indicative of the data elementthat may be accepted by the cabinet controller 19 through thehuman-machine interface 150 when presented by the purchaser 82 in orderfor the cabinet controller 19 to trigger the door lock system 60 todisengage the first and/or second door lock 66, 70.

In one embodiment, signaling between the remote controller device 20 andthe cabinet controller 19 may be full duplex. In one embodiment,signaling between the remote controller device 20 and the cabinetcontroller 19 may utilize polling, where the remote controller device 20polls the status of the cabinet controller 19 periodically.

The remote display 18 and the remote controller device 20 may be incommunication with the cabinet controller 19 and/or the door lock system60, the at least one camera 14, and/or the at least oneuser-verification camera 90 through the network 72 and/or the wirelessaccess point 71. The computer network 72 may be wired and/or wireless.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 and/or the remotedisplay 18 may be incorporated into a Point-of-Sale device 130 used bythe operator 92 for sales of other goods. The semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 may utilize a receipt generated by thePoint-of-Sale device 130 as the data element to identify andauthenticate the purchase transaction from the semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10. As a non-exclusive example, the purchaser 82 mayutilize the human-machine interface 150 to enter the data element, suchas by scanning the receipt, scanning a bar code on the receipt, orentering a set of digits from the receipt as the data element, forexample.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 may intercept one ormore signals from the Point-of-Sale device 130, the signals indicativeof a purchase transaction made by the purchaser 82 through thePoint-of-Sale device.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 and/or thePoint-of-Sale device 130 may transmit one or more signal to the systemcontroller 200 indicative of the data element that may be accepted bythe cabinet controller 19 through the human-machine interface 150 whenpresented by the purchaser 82 as authorization of the purchasetransaction at the cabinet systems 11.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 may directly processa purchase transaction made by the purchaser 82.

In one embodiment, the purchaser 82 may receive a data element fromanother source besides the operator 92, for example, the distributer ofthe canisters 94 that may be used to authenticate a transaction throughthe semi-automated canister distribution system 10. As a non-exclusiveexample, the purchaser 82 may discover a faulty canister 94 and may wishto exchange the faulty canister 94 for a functional, substantially fullcanister 94. The purchaser 82 may contact the distributor and thedistributor may provide the purchaser 82 with the data element, such asa code. The distributor may signal the system controller 200 withinformation indicative of the data element and the transaction. Thesystem controller 200 may transmit one or more signal to the cabinetcontroller 19 with information indicative of the data element and thetransaction. The purchaser may then enter the data element into thehuman-machine interface 150 which may signal the cabinet controller 19which may recognize the data element and proceed to exchange anddispense the authorized canister(s) 94.

In one embodiment, the cabinet controller 19 may comprise one or morecomputer processing device. The cabinet controller 19 may comprise oneor more memories 22 and one more processors 21, which will be referredto hereinafter in the singular for purposes of clarity. The memory 22and the processor 21 can be stand-alone, partially or completelynetwork-based or cloud-based, and may be located in a single physicallocation or in multiple physical locations. For example, a portion ofthe memory 22 may be a cloud-based memory.

The processor 21 is capable of executing processor executable codestored on the memory 22 and/or or creating, manipulating, altering, andstoring computer data structures into the memory 22. The processor 21can be implemented as a single processor 21 or multiple processors 21working together to execute the logic described herein. Exemplaryembodiments of the processor 21 include a digital signal processor(DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a field programmable gate array(FPGA), a microprocessor, a multi-core processor, and/or combinationsthereof.

The memory 22 stores processor executable code for causing the processor21 to implement functions described herein. The memory 22 may beimplemented as any conventional non-transitory computer memory, such asrandom access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a hard drive, a solid state drive,a flash drive, a memory card, a DVD-ROM, a floppy disk, an opticalnon-transitory drive (such as a compact disc), a compact flash drive,holographic drives, and combinations thereof, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 22-23, in one embodiment, a semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 a in accordance with the present disclosure maycomprise one or more cabinet systems 11 a. In one embodiment, thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 a may comprise one ormore cabinet systems 11 a. The cabinet systems 11 a are substantiallysimilar to the cabinet system 11, except as described herein below.

In one embodiment, the one or more cabinet systems 11 a may be two ormore cabinet systems 11 a and the human-machine interface 150 may beshared by the two or more cabinet systems 11 a within the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10 a. In one embodiment, the human-machineinterface 150 may comprise one or more of a camera 14, a proximitysensor, a microphone, a display, signage, lightable signage, a keypad,and a speaker. In one embodiment, the human-machine interface 150 may bedetached from the cabinet systems 11 a. For example, the human-machineinterface 150 may be located on a detached pedestal or post or walllocation. The human-machine interface 150 may be in communication withthe remote controller device 20, the cabinet controller 19, and/or thesystem controller 200.

In one embodiment, the one or more cabinet systems 11 a is two or morecabinet systems 11 a and the two or more cabinet systems 11 a may bechained together and/or controlled individually and/or controlledjointly by the remote controller device 20.

In one embodiment, the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 afurther comprises a remote management entity 180. In one embodiment, theremote management entity 180 may comprise one or more computing devicethat executes system logic and is in communication with one or more ofthe system controller 200, the cabinet controller 19, and the remotecontroller device 20.

The remote management entity 180 may be located in a separate locationfrom the other components of the semi-automated canister distributionsystem 10 a. In one embodiment, the remote management entity 180 maycomprise a computer server. In one embodiment, the remote managemententity 180 may be a distributed system such as a cloud computing device.In one embodiment, the remote management entity 180 may comprise one ormore memories 22 and one more processors 21, which will be referred tohereinafter in the singular for purposes of clarity. The memory 22 andthe processor 21 can be stand-alone, partially or completelynetwork-based or cloud-based, and may be located in a single physicallocation or in multiple physical locations. For example, a portion ofthe memory 22 may be a cloud-based memory.

In one embodiment, the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 afurther comprises a system controller 200. The system controller 200 maycomprise one or more computing device that executes system logic andmanages and controls the cabinet systems 11 a within the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10 a and communicates with the remotecontroller device 20 and/or the remote display 18.

In one embodiment, the cabinet controller 19 may share components withthe system controller 200. In one embodiment, the cabinet controller 19and the system controller 200 are physically located together. In oneembodiment, the cabinet controller 19 and the system controller 200 arephysically separate.

In one embodiment, the system controller 200 may communicate with theone or more cabinet systems 11 a, the cabinet controller 19, the remotecontroller device 20, and/or the remote display 18 through a wireless orwired network. The cabinet systems 11 a may further comprise receiversand transmitters for communication with the system controller 200 and/oreach other. The receivers and transmitters may be wireless and/or wiredconnections. The cabinet systems 11 a may be connected through one ormore wireless or wired networks and may have one or more wireless accesspoints.

In one embodiment, the system controller 200 receives inventory datafrom one or more of the cabinet systems 11 a indicative of the number ofcanisters 94 in each cabinet system 11 a. The inventory data may containinformation as to the location of the canisters 94 (for example, inwhich cabinet system 11 a and/or in which of the first compartment 42 orsecond compartment 44 of the cabinet system 11 a). The inventory datamay contain information as to the number of returned (substantiallyempty) canisters 94 and/or the number of substantially full canisters 94in each cabinet system 11 a, and in the semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 a as a whole. The system controller 200 maycompile and track such inventory data.

In one embodiment, the remote controller device 20 may transmit one ormore signal to the system controller 200 indicative of the data elementthat may be accepted by the cabinet controller 19 through thehuman-machine interface 150 when presented by the purchaser 82 in orderfor the cabinet controller 19 to trigger the door lock system 60 todisengage the first and/or second door lock 66, 70. As previouslydescribed, the data element may be any designated data that ispredetermined such that the cabinet system 11 recognizes the purchasetransaction. Non-exclusive examples of the data element include one ormore of a code, an audio signal, facial recognition, bio-metrics, and soon. Where appropriate, the data element may be given to the purchaser82.

In one embodiment, the system controller 200 through the cabinetcontroller 19 and the human-machine interface 150 may direct thepurchaser 82 to a particular compartment 42, 44 of a particular cabinetsystem 11 a to place a returned canister 94 based on the inventory data.In one embodiment, the system controller 200 through the cabinetcontroller 19 and the human-machine interface 150 may direct thepurchaser 82 to a particular compartment 42, 44 of a particular cabinetsystem 11 a to pick up a substantially full canister 94 based on theinventory data. The cabinet system 11 a for the returned canister 94 andthe cabinet system 11 a for the canister 94 to pick up may be differentcabinet systems 11 a within the two or more cabinet systems 11 a of thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 a.

In one embodiment, the cabinet system 11 a may comprise the cabinet 12and the cabinet controller 19. As previously described in relation tothe cabinet system 11, the cabinet controller 19 may comprise acomputing device that interfaces with one or more other components ofthe cabinet system 11 a. In one embodiment, the cabinet system 11 a mayfurther comprise the lock system 60, the auto-count system 160, and/orat least one camera 14. In one embodiment, the cabinet system 11 a mayfurther comprise the human-machine interface 150.

As previously described, the cabinet 12 may have the first compartment42 and the second compartment 44. In the cabinet system 11 a, the firstcompartment 42 may be used to dispense a canister 94 that issubstantially full or may be used to receive a return of a canister 94.Likewise, the second compartment 44 may be used to dispense a canister94 that is substantially full or may be used to receive a return of acanister 94. In one embodiment, both the first and second compartments42, 44 of a particular cabinet 12 are designated to receivesubstantially empty canisters 94. In one embodiment, both the first andsecond compartments 42, 44 of a particular cabinet 12 are designated toreceive substantially full canisters 94.

In one embodiment, one of the cabinet systems 11 a of the two or morecabinet systems 11 a of the semi-automated canister distribution system10 a may have a cabinet 12 with shelves 96 positioned in the cabinet 12to accommodate a first size of canister 94 and the other of the cabinetsystems 11 a of the two or more cabinet systems 11 a of thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 a may have a cabinet 12with shelves 96 positioned in the cabinet 12 to accommodate a secondsize of canister 94. In one embodiment, each of the two or more cabinetsystems 11 a may have a cabinet 12 with shelves 96 positioned in thecabinet 12 to accommodate the same size of canister 94.

For example, the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 a maycomprise three cabinets systems 11 a, with a first and a second of thecabinet systems 11 a having a cabinet 12 arranged to hold canisters 94of twenty-pound size, and with a third of the cabinet systems 11 ahaving a cabinet 12 arranged to hold canisters 94 of thirty-pound size.In another example, one cabinet 12 of the two or more cabinet systems 11a may have the capacity to contain eighteen canisters 94 of atwenty-pound size in the first compartment 42 and eighteen canisters 94of a twenty-pound size in the second compartment 42.

As previously discussed in relation to cabinet system 11, in oneembodiment, the shelves 96 of the cabinets 12 may be adjustable and/orremovable, which allows variance in the number and spacing of shelves 96in order to accommodate different sizes of canisters 94.

In one embodiment, each of the cabinet systems 11 a of thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 a may have a uniqueidentifier distinguishing the cabinet systems 11 a from one another. Forexample, the cabinet systems 11 a may be identified with an alpha oralpha numeric code, such as “P1”, “P2”, “P3”, etc.

In one embodiment, each of the first door 46 and second door 48 of thecabinets 12 of the cabinet systems 11 a may have an identifier todistinguish the first door 46 from the second door 48 for a particularcabinet 12. For example, the first door 46 and the second door 48 may bedesignated “A” and “B”, or “1” and “2”, or red and green, etc.,respectively. In one embodiment, the identifier distinguishes both thedoors 46, 48 and the compartments 42, 44 of the cabinet 12.

In one embodiment, the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 amay further comprise a local area network through which the cabinetcontrollers 19, the system controller 200, and the remote controllerdevice 20 communicate. In one embodiment, the semi-automated canisterdistribution system 10 a may further comprise a wide area networkthrough which the remote management entity 180, the system controller200, the cabinet controller 19, and/or the remote controller device 20communicate.

In one embodiment, a technician 202 may access the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10 a, the remote controller device 20, thesystem controller 200, and/or the cabinet controller 19 through thelocal computer network. Of course, it will be understood that thetechnician 202 may also access the semi-automated canister distributionsystem 10 a and/or components thereof directly without utilizing thelocal computer network. In one embodiment, the remote controller device20 may be a first remote controller device 20 used by the operator andthe technician 202 may have a second remote controller device 20.

In one embodiment, the system controller 200 may store in the memory 22a log of activity of the semi-automated canister distribution system 10,10 a. For example, the system controller 200 may store the transactionof the purchaser 82, such as the return of one or more canister 94, theremoval of one or more canister 94, failure to return or remove theexpected number of canisters 94, status of the door lock system 60, timeof one or more transaction, date of one or more transaction, inventorylevels, inventory locations, and so on. In one embodiment, the systemcontroller 200 may store images and/or video from the camera(s) 14and/or may store audio data and/or sensor data. The operator 92 and/orthe technician 202 may access the log of activity, the images, video,audio data, and/or sensor data. In one embodiment, the operator 92and/or the technician 202 may access the log of activity through theremote controller device 20, through the Point-of-Sale device 130,through the system controller 200, and/or through the remote managemententity 180.

Returning now to FIGS. 1-3, an example of one embodiment of thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 in use in accordance withthe present disclosure will be described.

In use, the operator 92, such as a cashier in a store, sells a propanecanister 94 to the purchaser 82 in the store. The sale may occur at thePoint-of-Sale device 130, such as a cash register. The purchaser 82 mayindicate whether the purchaser 82 wishes to exchange an empty propanecanister 94 for a propane canister 94 filled with propane, or wishes tosimply buy a propane canister 94 filled with propane without exchange ofan empty propane canister 94, or a combination of purchase with anexchange and purchase without an exchange. Unlike payments for goodskept within the store, the payment for the canister 94 occurs before thecanister 94 is distributed to the purchaser 82, since the canister 94 iskept outside of the store.

After payment to the operator 92, the purchaser 82 moves to the cabinet12, typically at a remote location from the point of sale, such asoutside of the store. In one embodiment, the purchaser 82 then activatesthe at least one signaling device 80, for example, by depressing thefirst button. The signaling device 80 may transmit one or more signalindicative of the presence of the purchaser 82 through the cabinetcontroller 19 to the remote controller device 20 and/or the remotedisplay 18.

In one embodiment, the user-verification camera 90 and/or the at leastone camera 14 captures one or more image of the purchaser 82 andtransmits the image and/or a live video feed through the cabinetcontroller 19 to the remote display 18. In one embodiment, the operator92 visually verifies the presence of the purchaser 82 and/or identity ofthe purchaser 82 using the image and/or the live video feed on theremote display 18. In one embodiment in which the at least one camera 14and/or the user-verification camera 90 is motion activated, motion ofthe purchaser 82 may trigger the transmission of the signal indicativeof the presence of the purchaser 82.

In the case where multiple purchasers 82 have purchased canisters 94within a short amount of time, the operator 92 may utilize the image(s)and/or the live video feed to verify the identity of the purchaser 82 atthe cabinet 12 to determine the appropriate transaction for eachpurchaser 82 based on the transaction of that purchaser 82.

In the case in which the purchaser 82 has an empty propane canister forexchange, the operator 92 may use the remote controller device 20 tosend a signal through the cabinet controller 19 to the first door lock66 of the door lock system 60 to unlock the first door lock 66. Thepurchaser 82 may then open the first door 46 and place the canister 94for exchange in the first compartment 42. In one embodiment, the firstdoor sensor 64 may transmit a signal through the cabinet controller 19and the cabinet controller 19 may transmit a signal to the remotecontroller device 20 and/or the remote display 18 indicative of the openposition of the first door 46. The operator 92 may monitor thepurchaser's return of the canister 94 using the video feed to the remotedisplay 18 from the at least one camera 14 and/or the at least oneuser-verification camera 90.

The purchaser 82 may then close the first door 46, or the first door 46may be automatically closed (such as when the first door 46 isself-closing). The first door sensor 64 may transmit a signal to thecabinet controller 19 and the cabinet controller 19 may transmit asignal to the remote controller device 20 and/or the remote display 18indicative of the closed state of the first door 46. The operator 92 mayverify the closed state of the first door 46 by using the video feedfrom the at least one camera 14 on the remote display 18, for example.

The first door 46 may lock automatically when the first door 46 is movedto the closed position. Alternately, the operator 92 may lock the firstdoor 46 using the remote controller device 20 to transmit a signalthrough the cabinet controller 19 to signal the first door lock 66 suchthat when the first door 46 is moved to the closed position the firstdoor lock 66 is engaged, and/or when the remote display 18 and/or theremote controller device 20 receive the signal from the cabinetcontroller 19 that the first door 46 is in the closed position.

Next, the purchaser 82 moves to the second compartment 44. Of course, itwill be understood that the purchaser 82 may move directly to the secondcompartment 44 if the purchaser does not have a canister 94 forexchange.

In one embodiment, the at least one user-verification camera 90 and/orthe at least one camera 14 captures at least one image of the purchaser82 and transmits the image and/or a live video feed to the cabinetcontroller 19 which transmits the information to the remote display 18.In one embodiment in which the at least one camera 14 and/or theuser-verification camera 90 is motion activated, motion of the purchaser82 triggers the transmission of the signal indicative of the presence ofthe purchaser 82. In one embodiment, in which the purchaser 82 exchangedan empty canister, the operator 92 may monitor the purchaser's movementto the second compartment 44 utilizing the at least oneuser-verification camera 90 and/or the at least one camera 14.

The operator 92 uses the remote controller device 20 to send a signalthrough the cabinet controller 19 which transmits the information to thesecond door lock 70 of the door lock system 60 to unlock the second doorlock 70. The purchaser 82 may then open the second door 48 and removethe canister 94 filled with propane from the second compartment 44. Inone embodiment, the second door sensor 64 may transmit a signal to thecabinet controller 19 which transmits the information to the remotecontroller device 20 and/or the remote display 18 indicative of the openposition of the second door 48. The operator 92 may monitor thepurchaser's removal of the canister 94 using the video feed from the atleast one camera 14 to the remote display 18.

The purchaser 82 may then close the second door 48, or the second door48 may be automatically closed (such as when the second door 48 isself-closing). The second door sensor 68 may transmit a signal to thecabinet controller 19 which transmits the information to the remotecontroller device 20 and/or the remote display 18 indicative of theclosed position of the second door 48.

The operator 92 may verify the closed state of the second door 48 byusing the video feed from the at least one camera 14 on the remotedisplay 18, for example. The second door 48 may lock automatically whenthe second door 48 is moved to the closed position. Alternately, theoperator 92 may lock the second door 48 using the remote controllerdevice 20 to transmit a signal to the cabinet controller 19 to signalthe second door lock 70 such that when the second door 48 is moved tothe closed position the second door lock 70 is engaged, and/or when theremote display 18 and/or the remote controller device 20 receive thesignal that the second door 48 is in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the operator 92 may manually disengage, lock, and/orunlock the first door 46 and/or the second door 48 with the manualoverride device 76, such as in the case of a power failure to thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10.

In one embodiment, the human-machine interface 150 may be used to allowthe operator 92 to issue a data element to the purchaser 82 indicativeof the particular purchase, by which the purchaser 82 can have access tothe cabinet 12, without the operator 92 having to open the cabinet 12with the remote controller device 20. The operator 92 may monitor theactions of the purchaser 82 as well as over-ride them. For example, theoperator 92 issues the purchaser 82 the data element, such as a code.The purchaser 82 enters the code into the human-machine interface 150,such as a keypad, on the cabinet 12. The human-machine interface 150 maycommunicate via one or more signal indicative of the data element to thecabinet controller 19. The cabinet controller 19 may trigger the doorlock system 60 to disengage the first and/or second door lock 66, 70,such that the first and/or second door 46, 48 are in the unlocked state.

In one embodiment, the audio system 170 plays audio files through thespeakers 172, such as instructions, advertisements, and/or thanks, whenthe purchaser 82 enters the code and/or when the purchaser 82 is withinproximity to the cabinet 12. The audio system 170 may be controlled by,or a part of, the cabinet controller 19.

In one embodiment, the auto-count system 160 determines that the correctnumber of canisters 94 have been returned before the door lock system 60is triggered to unlock the second compartment 44 for distribution of newcanisters 94. In one embodiment, the auto-count system 160 determinesthat an incorrect number of canisters 94 has been returned and/orremoved and alerts the operator 92 through the remote controller device20 and/or the remote display 18. The cabinet controller 19 may recordthe area around the cabinet 12 with camera 14 and/or 90 and display thecaptured video and/or images from camera 14 on remote display 18. Thesystem controller 200 may store the video and/or images for futurereview.

Returning now to FIGS. 22-23, the semi-automated canister distributionsystem 10 a in use will now be described.

If one compartment 42 or 44 of each cabinet 12 is designated forreturned canisters 94, the maximum capacity of the cabinet 12 todispense full canisters 94 is limited to the capacity of one compartment42 or 44. For example, the cabinet 12 may be limited to eighteen of thetwenty-pound size canisters 94. In many cases, it is not cost effectiveto maintain such a low number of available canisters 94, such as inretail locations that sell a large number of canisters 94 on a frequentbasis.

Because of the possibility of a multiple number of cabinets 12 in thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 a, one compartment 42 or44 of each cabinet 12 does not have to be reserved for returnedcanisters 94. The semi-automated canister distribution system 10 a maydesignate a lesser number than half of the compartments 42, 44 of thecabinets 12 of two or more cabinet systems 11 a for returned canisters94. A larger proportion of the compartments 42, 44 may be designated fordispensing full canisters 94. For example, when the one or more cabinetsystems 11 a are two cabinet systems 11 a, one cabinet system 11 a mayhave both the first and second compartments 42, 44 designated for fullcanisters 94, and the second cabinet system 11 a may have one of thefirst or second compartments 42, 44 designated for full canisters 94. Insuch a case, for a capacity of eighteen canisters 94 per compartment,the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 a would have acapacity of a quantity of fifty-two of the twenty-pound full canisters94 and a quantity of eighteen of the twenty-pound returned canisters 94.

In one embodiment, the number of compartments 42, 44 designated fordispensing substantially full canisters 94 and the number ofcompartments 42, 44 designated for receiving substantially emptycanisters 94 may be adjusted by the system controller 200. In oneembodiment, the system controller 200 may adjust the number ofcompartments 42, 44 designated for receiving or dispensing canisters 94based at least in part on past volume of each type of transaction and/orcurrent inventory of substantially full and/or substantially emptycanisters 94.

In one embodiment, the operator 92 may direct the purchaser 82 to returnand/or pick up canisters 94 to and from multiple cabinets 12. In oneembodiment, the operator 92 may observe the purchaser 82 through the oneor more cameras 14 to direct the purchaser 82 to return and/or pick upcanisters 94 to and from multiple compartments 42, 44 and/or cabinets 12in the two or more cabinet systems 11.

In one embodiment, the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 amay direct the purchaser 82 to return and/or pick up canisters 94 to andfrom multiple cabinets 12. Given system-wide inventory control, theoperator 92 may not know if the semi-automated canister distributionsystem 10 a can satisfy the purchase criteria. The system controller 200of the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 a may determinewhether the purchase criteria can be satisfied based on the quantity ofreturn canisters 94 the purchaser 82 wishes to return, the quantity offull canisters 94 the purchaser has purchased, the inventory of returnedcanisters 94, and/or the inventory of full canisters 94 in thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 a.

The semi-automated canister distribution system 10 a may utilize thehuman-machine interface 150 and/or the audio system 170 to communicatedirections to the purchaser 82 as to which cabinets 12 and whichcompartments 42, 44 to use. The directions may be based on the quantityof return canisters 94 the purchaser 82 wishes to return, the quantityof full canisters 94 the purchaser 82 has purchased, the inventory ofreturned canisters 94, and/or the inventory of full canisters 94 in thesemi-automated canister distribution system 10 a.

For example, the purchaser 82 may purchase two twenty-pound canisters94, with two twenty-pound canisters 94 for return, and one thirty-poundcanister 94 with no return of that size. Of course, the example ispurely for explanatory purposes, and the purchase may comprise anycombination of canister returns and pickups, of the same or varyingsizes.

The operator 92 may enter the transaction into the remote controllerdevice 20, or other connected Point-of-Sale device 130, or remotemanagement entity 180. The remote controller device 20 or otherconnected Point-of-Sale device 130 or remote management entity 180 maycommunicate the purchase details to the system controller 200. Thesystem controller 200 may check the inventory and locations of empty andfull canisters 94 in the one or more cabinet systems 11 a.

The system controller 200 may identify the compartment(s) 42, 44 of thecabinets 12 appropriate for certain size canister 94 returns and pickupsbased on information regarding the inventory in the one or more cabinetsystems 11 a.

For example, in an embodiment in which the one or more cabinet systems11 a is three cabinet systems 11 a, a first cabinet system 11 a may beidentified as “P1” and contain one or more twenty-pound canisters, asecond cabinet system 11 a may be identified as “P2” and contain one ormore twenty-pound canisters, and a third cabinet system 11 a may beidentified as “P3” and contain one or more thirty-pound canisters. Ofcourse, it will be understood that the first compartment 42 may containdifferent size canisters 94 than the second compartment 44 of thecabinet system 11 a.

The purchaser 82 may present the data element that is an identificationof the purchase (for example, a PIN code, or a voice command, and/orsome other form of authorization information) at the human-machineinterface 150 of one of the cabinet systems 11 a in the semi-automatedcanister distribution system 10 a. The system controller 200, throughthe human-machine interface 150, may direct the purchaser 82 as to whichcompartment 42, 44 in which cabinet 12 the purchaser should return theempty canisters 94 and pick up the full canisters 94.

When the purchaser 82 approaches the cabinet 12 to which she is directedto return the substantially empty canisters 94, the cabinet system 11 amay use the one or more unit detection devices 162 of the auto-countsystem 160 to determine the existence and number of the substantiallyempty canisters 94 being returned. The unit detection device 162 maydetect the presence of the canister 94 outside of the cabinet 12 beforethe door lock 66, 70 is unlocked, and/or may detect the presence of thereturned canister placed in the cabinet 12. The cabinet controller 19may transmit one or more signals indicative of the existence and numberof the substantially empty canisters 94 being returned to the systemcontroller 200. In one embodiment, after the purchaser 82 returns thesubstantially empty canisters 94, the system controller 19 may transmitone of more signal through the cabinet controller 19 and thehuman-machine interface 150 to direct the purchaser 82 as to where topick up the substantially full canisters 94.

When the purchaser 82 approaches the cabinet 12 to which she is directedto pick up the full canisters 94, the cabinet system 11 a may use theone or more unit detection devices 162 of the auto-count system 160 todetermine the number of the substantially full canisters 94 removed. Thecabinet controller 19 may transmit one or more signals indicative of thenumber of the substantially full canisters 94 removed to the systemcontroller 200. The signals may be indicative of the identity of thecabinet 12 and/or the compartment 42, 44 used.

In one embodiment, the purchaser 82 may identify the transaction throughthe human-machine interface 150 with the data element from the operator92 (for example, using a PIN on a keypad) on one of the cabinet systems11 a. The cabinet controller 19 of the cabinet system 11 a may transmitone or more signals indicative of the transaction to the systemcontroller 200. The system controller 200 may determine, or may havepreviously determined, to which compartments 42, 44 of which cabinets 12to direct the purchaser 82. The system controller 200 may then sendthese instructions to the cabinet controller 19 of the cabinet 12 atwhich the purchaser 82 is standing. The cabinet controller 19 may thenuse the human-machine interface 150 to communicate these instructions tothe purchaser 82. In one embodiment, the system controller 200 maychoose the content of the communication based on which cabinet system 11a the purchaser 82 approaches.

Expanding on the example above in which the purchaser 82 wishes toreturn two twenty-pound canisters 94 and pick up two twenty-poundcanisters 94 and one thirty-pound canister 94, the human-machineinterface 150 of any one of the cabinet systems 11 a may be used tocommunicate the following to the purchaser 82:

Cabinet P1—20 lb

Cabinet P2—20 lb

Cabinet P3—30 lb

In one embodiment, the system controller 200 may use the human-machineinterface 150 of the cabinet controller 19 to communicate data elementsfor each part of the transaction and/or for the entire transaction. Forexample, the human-machine interface 150 may communicate a PIN 3322 forthe exchange and return of two twenty-pound canisters 94, as in theexample. The purchaser 82 may be instructed through the human-machineinterface 150 to approach the cabinet 12 labeled with the identifier“P1” and enter PIN 3322 into the human-machine interface 150 of thatcabinet system 11 a.

In the event the purchaser 82 presents the data element at the wrongcabinet system 11 a (that is, a cabinet system 11 a other than thecabinet system 11 a to which the purchaser 82 should return or pick upthe canister 94 based on the system controller 200), the cabinetcontroller 19 of the cabinet system 11 a may transmit one or more signalto the system controller 200 indicative of the attempted entry. Thesystem controller 200 may communicate through the cabinet controller 19and the human-machine interface 150 to direct the purchaser 82 to theappropriate cabinet system 11 a.

When the purchaser 82 presents the data element at the appropriatecabinet system 11 a, in this example “P1”, the cabinet controller 19 mayunlock the door lock 66, 70 of the door 46, 48 of the designatedcompartment 42, 44. The one or more unit detection devices 162 of theauto-count system 160 may detect the return of the substantially emptycanister(s) 94. After the purchaser 82 returns the canisters 94, forexample, when the door 46, 48 is detected to be in closed position, thecabinet controller 19 may determine if the expected return of thecanisters 94 has occurred and/or may signal the lock system 60 to lockthe door 46, 48 of the compartment 42, 44. The cabinet controller 19 ofthe cabinet system 11 a may transmit one or more signal to the systemcontroller 200 indicative of the transaction. In one embodiment, the oneor more unit detection devices 162 of the auto-count system 160 maydetect the presence of the substantially empty canister(s) 94 outside ofthe cabinet 12, before the canisters 94 are returned.

Next, the system controller 200 may transmit instructions back to thecabinet controller 19 of the cabinet system 11 a to direct the purchaser82 (through the human-machine interface 150) to remove the substantiallyfull thirty-pound canister 94 from the appropriate cabinet system 11 a,in this example the cabinet system 11 a identified as “P3”. When thepurchaser 82 presents the data element at “P3”, the cabinet controller19 of the cabinet system 11 a identified as “P3” may transmit one ormore signals to the system controller 200. The system controller 200 maytransmit one or more signals to the cabinet controller 19 of the cabinetsystem 11 a identified as “P3” to proceed with dispensing the fullcanisters 94 by unlocking the door 46, 48 to the designated compartment42, 44.

Next, the system controller 200 may transmit instructions back to thecabinet controller 19 of the cabinet system 11 a to direct the purchaser82 (through the human-machine interface 150) to proceed to the cabinet12 labeled with the identifier “P2” and enter the PIN into thehuman-machine interface 150 of that cabinet system 11 a. Theinstructions may further direct the purchaser as to which compartment42, 44 from which to remove the canisters 94. The purchaser 82 may enterthe PIN into the human-machine interface 150 of that cabinet system 11 aidentified as “P2”. Then, the cabinet controller 19 of the cabinetsystem 11 a identified as P2 may transmit one or more signals to thesystem controller 200. The system controller 200 may transmit one ormore signals to the cabinet controller 19 of the cabinet system 11 aidentified as “P2” to proceed with dispensing the substantially fulltwenty-pound canisters 94 by unlocking the door 46, 48 to the designatedcompartment 42, 44.

The one or more unit detection devices 162 of the auto-count system 160may detect the removal of the full canister(s) 94 from the cabinetsystem 11 a. When the door 46, 48 is detected to be in closed position,the cabinet controller 19 may determine if the expected removal ofcanisters 94 has occurred and may transmit one or more signal to thesystem controller 200 indicative of the transaction.

If the cabinet controller 19 and/or the system controller 200 determinesthat an unexpected transaction occurs (for example, an unexpected numberof canisters 94 returned or removed), the system controller 200 mayalert the operator 92 and/or communicate the discrepancy to thepurchaser 82.

Of course, it will be understood that the above examples are forexplanatory purposes and that there are many permutations of purchasespossible with the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 a.

For exemplary purposes, the following is one embodiment of a sequence ofautomated steps conducted by the semi-automated canister distributionsystem 10 a for the return of a canister 94:

Return Sequence:

-   -   1) Determine which compartment 42, 44 of which cabinet 12 to use        for return.    -   2) Unlock the appropriate door 46, 48, of the appropriate        compartment 42, 44.    -   3) Direct the purchaser to open the appropriate door 46, 48.    -   4) Detect the opened door 46, 48.    -   5) Detect the return of canister(s) 94.        -   i) If the one or more unit detection devices 162 of the            auto-count system 160 does not detect the expected return of            the canister(s) 94, inform the purchaser 82 and/or the            operator 92 and may not proceed with the transaction.    -   6) Direct the purchaser 82 to close door 46, 48.    -   7) Detect closed door 46, 48.    -   8) Lock door 46, 48.    -   9) Continue with any further return or pickup of canister(s) 94.

For exemplary purposes, the following is one embodiment of a sequence ofautomated steps conducted by the semi-automated canister distributionsystem 10 a for the pickup of a full canister 94:

Pickup Sequence:

-   -   1) Determine which compartment 42, 44 of which cabinet 12 to use        for pickup.    -   2) Unlock the appropriate door 46, 48 of the appropriate        compartment 42, 44.    -   3) Direct the purchaser 82 to open the appropriate door 46, 48    -   4) Detect the opened door 46, 48.    -   5) Detect the removal of canister(s) 94.        -   i) If the one or more unit detection devices 162 of the            auto-count system 160 does not detect the expected number of            canister(s) 94 removed, inform the purchaser 82 and/or the            operator 92.    -   6) Direct the purchaser 82 to close the door 46, 48.    -   7) Detect the closed door 46, 48.    -   8) Lock the door 46, 48.    -   9) Continue with any further return or pickup of canister(s) 94.

In one embodiment, the semi-automated canister distribution system 10 amay accommodate multiple purchasers 82 simultaneously.

While several embodiments of the inventive concepts have been describedfor purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerouschanges and combinations may be made which will readily suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished withinthe spirit of the inventive concepts disclosed and as defined in theappended claims.

CONCLUSION

Conventionally, the sale of canisters stored outside of retail locationshas been problematic. For example, these sales required additionalmanpower and hampered the efficiency of retail sales. In accordance withthe present disclosure, systems and methods for semi-automated canisterdistribution are disclosed that address these and other problems.

The foregoing description provides illustration and description, but isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventive concepts to theprecise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible inlight of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of themethodologies set forth in the present disclosure.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in theclaims and/or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are notintended to limit the disclosure. In fact, many of these features may becombined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and/or disclosedin the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below maydirectly depend on only one other claim, the disclosure includes eachdependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

No element, act, or instruction used in the present application shouldbe construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitlydescribed as such outside of the preferred embodiment. Further, thephrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on”unless explicitly stated otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for semi-automated distribution of oneor more canister, comprising: receiving, by a remote controller devicelocated in a store, information indicative of a purchase transactionfrom a purchaser for a return of a first canister and pickup of a secondcanister, the second canister stored in a second compartment of acabinet system located outside of the store, the second compartmentseparated from a first compartment of the cabinet system, the firstcompartment having a first door and the second compartment having asecond door, the first and second door having an open position and aclosed position with a locked state and an unlocked state; receiving, bythe remote controller device, a signal indicative of the purchaser beingphysically located in proximity to the cabinet system; transmitting asignal, with the remote controller device, to the cabinet system tochange the first door from the locked state to the unlocked state; andtransmitting, from the cabinet system, a real-time visual feed from atleast one unit detection device of the cabinet system to a remotedisplay located in the store, the unit detection device positioned tohave a field of view encompassing at least a portion of an interior ofthe cabinet system when the first door or the second door is in the openposition; monitoring, by an operator of the remote display, thepurchaser returning the first canister to the first compartment;transmitting a second signal, with the remote controller device, to thecabinet system to change the second door from the locked state to theunlocked state; and monitoring, using the remote display, the purchaserretrieving the second canister from the second compartment.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the at least one unit detection device is afirst camera and a second camera, wherein the first camera is positionedrelative to the cabinet system such that the first camera has a field ofview encompassing at least a portion of an interior of the firstcompartment of the cabinet system when the first door is in the openposition and the second camera is positioned relative to the cabinetsystem such that the second camera has a field of view encompassing atleast a portion of an interior of the second compartment of the cabinetsystem when the second door is in the open position.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the cabinet system is sized to accommodate at least twopropane canisters.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least oneunit detection device is a first camera and at least one userverification camera positioned outside of and relative to the cabinetsystem such that the field of view of the user verification cameraencompasses an area in proximity to the cabinet system.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one sensor positioned to determinewhen the first door and the second door are in the closed position. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one unit detection device isa least one camera having a field of view comprising an area inproximity to the cabinet system.
 7. A method for semi-automateddistribution of one or more canister, comprising: receiving, with one ormore of a remote controller device, a Point-of-Sale device, and a remotemanagement entity, information indicative of details of a purchasetransaction for the purchase of one or more substantially full propanecanisters by a purchaser and of a return of one or more substantiallyempty propane canister; transmitting, with the one or more of the remotecontroller device, the Point-of-Sale device, and the remote managemententity, signals indicative of the details of the purchase transaction toa system controller, the details comprising a number of substantiallyfull canisters to be removed and a number of substantially emptycanisters to be returned; determining, with the system controller,location of inventory of propane canisters within one or more cabinetsystem to fulfill the purchase transaction, each cabinet systemcomprising: a cabinet controller in communication with the systemcontroller; a cabinet having a first compartment separated from a secondcompartment, the first compartment having a first door and the secondcompartment having a second door, the first door and the second doorhaving an open position and a closed position with a locked state and anunlocked state; a human-machine interface in communication with one ormore of the system controller and the cabinet controller; one or moreunit detection device in communication with the cabinet controller formonitoring removal of substantially full propane canisters from thecabinet and placement of substantially empty propane canisters in thecabinet; determining, with the cabinet controller, a presence of thepurchaser proximate to the one or more cabinet systems; transmitting,from the system controller through the cabinet controller to thehuman-machine interface of the one or more cabinet systems, instructionsfor the purchaser as to the location of propane canisters to fulfill thepurchase transaction based at least in part on the determined locationof inventory of propane canisters; detecting, with the unit detectiondevice, a presence of a substantially empty propane canister;transmitting, from the unit detection device through the cabinetcontroller to the system controller, signals indicative of the return ofthe substantially empty propane canister in the first compartment of oneof the cabinets; transmitting, from the system controller to the cabinetcontroller, a signal indicative of instructions to change one or thefirst door and the second door from the locked state to the unlockedstate; detecting, with the unit detection device, a removal of asubstantially full propane canister from the cabinet of the cabinetsystem; and updating, with the system controller, the location ofinventory of propane canisters, based on the detection of the return ofthe substantially empty propane canister and the removal of thesubstantially full propane canister.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinthe one or more cabinet systems is two or more cabinet systems.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein detecting, with the unit detection device,the presence of a substantially empty propane canister further comprisesdetection of a placement of the substantially empty propane canister inthe first compartment of the cabinet.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereindetecting is based at least in part on weight of the canister.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: determining, with the unitdetection device, an amount of weight removed from the cabinet; andcalculating, with cabinet controller, a number of canisters removedbased on the determined amount of weight removed and on a predeterminedweight range of substantially full canisters.
 12. The method of claim 7,wherein detecting, with the unit detection device, the presence of asubstantially empty propane canister further comprises detection of thesubstantially empty propane canister proximate to the cabinet.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein detection is based at least in part on useof one or more of a camera and a LiDAR device.
 14. A system forsemi-automated distribution of one or more canister, comprising: aremote controller device; a remote display in communication with theremote controller device; one or more cabinet systems, each cabinetsystem comprising: a cabinet controller in communication with the remotecontroller device; a cabinet having a first compartment separated from asecond compartment, the first compartment having a first door and thesecond compartment having a second door, the first door and the seconddoor having an open position and a closed position with a locked stateand an unlocked state; a human-machine interface in communication withthe cabinet controller; a unit detection device monitoring removal ofsubstantially full propane canisters from the cabinet and placement ofsubstantially empty propane canisters in the cabinet, and transmittingsignals to the cabinet controller indicative of the removal and theplacement; and a system controller in communication with the cabinetsystems, the remote controller device, and the remote display, thesystem controller having one or more non-transitory computer processorexecuting instructions that cause the processor to perform the followingsteps: receive a data element indicative of details of a purchasetransaction from the remote controller device; receive signals from thehuman-machine interface indicative of entry of the data elementindicative of details of the purchase transaction from a purchaser;transmit signals to the cabinet systems indicative of instructions tochange the first and second doors between the locked state and theunlocked state; and receive signals from the cabinet systems indicativeof a number of substantially full propane canisters removed from thecabinets of the cabinet systems and a number of empty propane canistersplaced in the cabinets of the cabinet systems.
 15. The system of claim14, wherein the remote controller device comprises a remotePoint-of-Sale device.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the remotecontroller device comprises a remote management entity.
 17. The systemof claim 14, wherein the unit detection device comprises one or moreweight sensor.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the unit detectiondevice comprises one or more camera.
 19. The system of claim 14, whereinthe unit detection device comprises one or more LiDAR device.
 20. Thesystem of claim 14, further comprising a remote management entity incommunication with the one or more cabinet systems, the remotecontroller device, and the system controller.